“We are ready to win more medals for Spain” – Eduardo Lorrio on Mental Growth, Penalties & Spain’s Golden Generation

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Spanish national team
goalkeeper Eduardo Lorrio speaks in depth about Spain’s current
generation, the learning process in the Champions League, and why
he is convinced that the team is ready to win more international
medals in the coming years. Eduardo begins by reflecting on his
experiences in the Champions League with his club. Playing against
elite teams such as Novi Beograd, he explains the reality for a
young team entering Europe’s highest competition. While results may
not always reflect performance, the most important aspect is
competitiveness. Spain’s young core has shown that it can stay
close against top opponents, learning how to manage pressure,
physicality and tactical discipline at the highest level. A key
theme of the episode is mental development. Eduardo describes how
many Champions League matches are decided in the final minutes.
Early in the season, his team lost several close games, but instead
of frustration, these moments became learning opportunities. The
ability to stay calm, manage the last possession and accept a draw
instead of forcing risky decisions is a crucial step toward
becoming a winning team. One of the most emotional parts of the
conversation centers on the World Championship final and the
dramatic penalty shootout against Italy. Eduardo shares the story
behind his decision to speak up before the penalties. Trusting his
intuition, he told head coach David Martín that he felt ready to
save penalties. The decision paid off, as he stopped a crucial shot
– one of the most memorable moments of his career. Eduardo explains
that penalties are not only about technique, but about feeling the
moment. Confidence, timing and emotional control often matter more
than preparation alone. For him, being trusted by the coach in that
decisive situation was just as meaningful as the save itself. The
conversation then turns to the Spanish national team’s evolution
under David Martín. Since his arrival in 2017, the team has
undergone a clear mentality shift. After years without medals,
Spain returned to the podium with silver medals and eventually
reached the top by winning the World Championship. A balanced mix
of experienced leaders and young talents has created a highly
competitive environment. Eduardo highlights the depth of the
current squad, mentioning players like Álvaro Granados, Unai
Aguirre, Álvaro Ortiz and Felipe Perrone, whose experience and
professionalism continue to shape the team culture. According to
Lorrio, the mentality of the group is stronger than ever – focused,
ambitious and united. Looking ahead, the episode also addresses the
Olympic pathway. Eduardo openly states that Spain’s goal is not
only to qualify for the Olympic Games, but to win an Olympic medal.
After finishing fourth in Tokyo, losing both the semifinal and
bronze medal match, the motivation is clear. Spain has everything
it needs – infrastructure, coaching staff, league quality and
player depth – to succeed on the biggest stage. The episode
concludes with reflections on the goalkeeper relationship within
the national team. Eduardo emphasizes the importance of mutual
respect and support between goalkeepers. They are not rivals, but
teammates working toward the same goal. Sharing rooms, tournaments
and emotional moments over many years has created deep bonds that
strengthen the team as a whole. This episode offers an honest,
emotional and highly insightful look into elite goalkeeping,
championship pressure and why Spanish water polo believes its best
years may still lie ahead. More about the podcast:
https://www.schulzekopp.de